The Inclusive Employer Index is an annual survey developed by DCA in partnership with Diversity Atlas to measure employee diversity and inclusion experiences in the workplace.
Participating in the Index enabled the Property Council to evaluate the current state of inclusion in its workforce and compare it to the Australian Workforce and DCA member benchmarks.
To be named on the Inclusive Employers list, organisations must exceed the National Index Benchmark across at least five out of key areas: awareness, engagement, inclusive organisational climate, inclusive leadership, inclusive team and exclusion.
Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said the Property Council recognises its responsibility to promote diversity and inclusion within both its organisation and the broader property industry.
"Being recognised as an inclusive employer sends a positive message to our talented people," Mr Zorbas said.
"It sends a positive message to our wonderful members, and it sends an inclusive message to future leaders whom we hope will join us and continue to improve our city-shaping industry," he said.
DCA CEO Lisa Annese congratulated this year's Inclusive Employers for showing their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces where employees in all their diversity can thrive.
"DCA's Inclusive Employer Index is an opportunity to celebrate the companies that are driving real change and inspiring others to follow their lead.
"It's an evidence-based process that reveals the state of inclusion and diversity across participating organisations. Recognition as an Inclusive Employer means your organisation is doing the necessary work to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected."
DCA announced its 2024-2025 Inclusive Employers list today to mark the beginning of Inclusion at Work Week. Running from 18 to 22 November, Inclusion at Work Week is an annual celebration led by DCA to recognise the efforts of Australian organisations working to foster inclusion within their workplace. foster inclusion within their workplace.
Workplace inclusion is not just about creating a positive work environment – it drives tangible business outcomes. DCA's most recent Inclusion@Work Index shows workplace inclusion significantly increases performance, wellbeing and innovation. Plus, workers in inclusive teams are:
- three times less likely to leave their organisation
- more than twice as likely to work extra hard
- 10 times more likely to be innovative
- four times more likely to provide excellent customer service.
The Property Council has a range of programs and initiatives to help staff, members and the industry enhance diversity and inclusion.
This includes the 500 Women in Property program to advance women into leadership, the Girls in Property program to introduce high school students to property careers, the Property Council's work with the Property Champions of Change, and its 40:40:20 commitment, ensuring 40 per cent women, 40 per cent men, and 20 per cent discretionary representation in speakers and Committees.
The Property Council also offers 12 weeks of paid parental leave, exceeding the industry standard of 9.5 weeks. Superannuation is provided on both paid and unpaid leave, and employees are encouraged to stay connected through paid 'Stay in Touch' days.
All employees have access to flexible working arrangements and there is a target of gender-balanced recruitment shortlists to present hiring managers with the best candidates possible.
